Had he successfully Williams to New Orleans (even if only for an interview), he might have been able to double-dip on the Saints' coaching staff.

Saints defensive backs coach Dennis Allen was interviewed by the Eagles and Broncos onsite at the Senior Bowl this past weekend. Allen confirmed Monday night that he had accepted the Broncos' offer, where he will work for former Panthers head coach John Fox.

Allen has been showered with praise by Saints head coach Sean Payton and Williams, who admitted that upon first arriving, Williams wanted to let Allen go. Over the past five seasons, Williams now admitted on Monday at the Senior Bowl: "I think he’s outstanding. I think he’s one of the best young coaches I’ve ever worked with.

"He has aspirations of being a head coach," Williams added. "He’d be a good head coach in our league, too. I believe that in all my heart."

Allen joined the Saints in 2006, part of Sean Payton's first coaching staff, and was promoted in 2008 to defensive backs coach.

Payton praised Allen and noted an example of another coach who has had success after leaving the Saints' coaching staff, former running game coordinator and offensive line coach Doug Marrone, who is now the head coach at Syracuse.